Title:  Letting Go 
Author: gap

Note: Missing scene from "A Change of Seasons".

"How is he, Opal?"

"The same, Doc.  Hasn't moved from that chair since
Fairlight passed."

"Has he said anything?"

"No.  Won't eat, won't sleep.  Tom and I, we keep talking
to him, but he don't say a word."

"You're doing the right thing. Don't give up."

"Aunt Opal, the baby's crying!"

"You go take care of her, Opal.  I'll have a talk with
Jeb."

"I'll be right back.  Just holler if you need me."

"How are you, Jeb?  Mind if I take a seat?  I can see the
hives are doing well.  Tom's managing with John's help.
He's worried about one of the queen bees.  He'd be obliged
if you'd go take a look.  
"Now that Opal's gone, I want to tell you something. Tom 
and Opal are doing their best, but they have their own family 
to take care of.  Losing Fairlight hurt you badly, but your 
children need you. I know.  You think I can't understand what 
you're feeling. But I do.  You cannot let this destroy you.  
You have to let her go."

"Did it work, Doc?"

"No. But I think I've given him something to think about.
Keep trying to make him eat.  I'll stop by again next
week."

"Are you going to the mission?"

"I've just come from there."

"I'll send John for Zady then.  Maybe he could get Preacher
to come too.  I reckon he can help Jeb."

"I wouldn't bother the preacher.  He has other things on
his mind today."

"Oh, I forgot, he's taking care of Lundy.  Maybe Preacher
can come tomorrow.  I've never seen Jeb like this-"

"Give him time, Opal.  He just lost the woman he loved."

"You alright, Doc?  Ain't getting sick yourself?"

"It's been a long day.  The children well?"

"They miss their mama.  But we're getting by."

"You're doing a good job here, Opal."

"Promised Fairlight I'd take care of them."

"Here's Zady now."

"Aunt Opal, guess what?"

"Won't you stay for dinner, Doc?"

"I can't.  Goodbye Opal, Jeb.  I'll see myself out."

"Goodbye, Doc.  Zady Spencer, where have you been?
You were going to help me with dinner..."

"Guess what? Miz Christy and Preacher's going to get
married!"

"You hear that, Jeb?  I bet Fairlight would have liked
that.  Zady, you can tell me and your pa all about it
while you help me get dinner."

The End